SEMH Learning Support - Behaviour and Life Skills
An inclusive specialist school is seeking a dedicated and emotionally resilient Learning Support Assistant to join their team this September. This role supports pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs who display challenging behaviours. Full-time and part-time applications are welcome. This is a long-term role with the opportunity to become permanent.
The Role
This is a dynamic and varied position within a class of pupils who require high levels of behavioural and emotional support. You'll work closely with teaching staff to help children regulate, build confidence, and develop essential life skills through both classroom learning and therapeutic activities.
Day-to-day responsibilities include:
* Supporting pupils in managing behaviour and emotions using calm, consistent approaches
* Facilitating structured interventions such as bucket therapy and resilience-building sessions
* Assisting in Forest School and other specialist outdoor learning provisions
* Helping pupils develop personal and social life skills, including communication, cooperation, and emotional reflection
* Attending and supporting regular off-site educational visits and trips
* Providing in-class support and contributing to EHCP outcomes
* Supporting positive routines during transitions, breaktimes, and high-sensory moments
* Working closely with a team of staff trained in trauma-informed and therapeutic strategies
The Ideal Person and Skills/Education Needed
* Experience supporting children or adults who display challenging behaviour is essential
* A Teaching Assistant qualification is beneficial
* Team Teach or similar de-escalation training is beneficial
* Strong communication skills, emotional resilience, and a calm, steady presence
* A commitment to inclusive, child-centred practice and the belief that every young person deserves a chance to thrive
The School
This is a specialist provision with small classes, structured routines, and a strong focus on emotional wellbeing and behavioural support. Pupils are taught both in the classroom and in outdoor therapeutic settings, with regular access to specialist outdoor provisions and life skills-based activities. Staff work closely to ensure a consistent, supportive approach for every learner.
Hours
Monday to Friday, 8.30 am–3.30 pm. Both full-time and part-time applicants are encouraged to apply.
If you have the patience, strength and passion to support pupils with SEMH needs, this role will challenge and inspire you in equal measure.
Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense Education you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temp to perm
Pay: £14.00-£16.00 per hour
Work Location: In person